Rush County, Indiana - The whole text, 1921 (part 7 of 18)

WILLIAM L. HERKLESS. Since its establishment in Rush county at an early period in this community's history the Herkless family has sustained unfailingly the most intelligent and practical interests of the locality. In the third generation of this family to contribute to the development of the county is found William L. Herkless, the owner and operator of a valuable tract of land in Ripley township, where he is adjudged by his fellow-citizens a most progressive agriculturist. Mr. Herkless was born on April 17, 1881, in Ripley township, a son of Milton and Eunice (Winslow) Herkless. Milton Herkless was also born in Ripley township, and after acquiring his education at the Earnest schoolhouse began farming the home place. At the death of his father, at a comparatively early age, he assumed the management of the property, a tract of 160 acres which he conducted for his mother until the latter 's demise. He was a man of high standing in his community, upright in business, sound in citizenship and faithful in his friendships, and had the esteem and respect of all. The only child of his parents, William L. Herkless was given good educational advantages in his youth, first attending the public schools of Carthage and being later given an agricultural course at Purdue University. With this preparation, he returned to the home farm, and not long thereafter was given its management. In conducting the operations on this 160-acre tract he secured valuable training and experience, and in 1906, after his marriage, purchased eighty acres of land in partnership with his father, with whom he continued to farm for four years. In 1910 Mr. Herkless bought seventy-four acres in Ripley township, which he operates in conjunction with the eighty acres before mentioned. He is a capable general farmer, and has also met with success in his activities as a stock raiser. At this time he is feeding out about four carloads each year and is constantly extending the scope of his activities. His property is conducted along modern lines and his modern buildings and equipment reflect the progressive ideas of the owner. On June 3, 1903, Mr. Herkless married Gertrude B. Gilson, who was born in Center township, this county, daughter of Robert and Ellen (Graham) Gilson, farming people of that township. To Mr. and Mrs. Herkless there has been born one daughter, Mildred, who is attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Herkless are members of the Christian church, which they attend at Carthage. In politics he supports the Democratic party.

JACOB D. TODD, a native son and honored citizen of Rush county, now living in retirement at his comfortable home in Center township, and who as an agriculturist ranked among the best in his community, was born in the township now honored by his citizenship, on May 21, 1854, and is the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (David) Todd, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Bourbon county, Kentucky. Andrew Todd came down the Ohio river from Pennsylvania as far as Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where he remained for a time and then, in 1839, he came on to Rush county. During the ensuing ten years he was employed by the day as a farm hand, but he then engaged in farming on his own account, buying acres eighty of land in Center township, to which he later added thirty-seven acres, making his holdings here 117 acres, and on this farm he made his home up to the time of his death, which occurred on April 18, 1890. His wife had died on November 18, 1887. Of the seven children who blessed their union three are now living, Joseph W., Leah and Jacob D. Jacob D. Todd received his educational training in the Ball school, in Center township, and remained on the home farm, assisting his father in its operation up to the time of his marriage, in 1886, when he began farming for himself on an eighty-acre farm which he and his brother owned. They also rented the homestead of 117 acres and farmed it. For about ten years after his marriage the subject and his wife lived with his parents, but at the end of that time they moved to the place where they now reside, the homestead comprising seventy-nine acres of fine land. Mr. Todd has done a great deal of ditching on this farm and has made many other valuable improvements on it, including some important improvements on the buildings. For a number of years he successfully operated this farm, but is now retired and rents the fields, retaining for his own use the home, where he is now quietly enjoying the fruits of his former years of effort. Mr. Todd has been twice married, first, on September 9, 1886, to Mary E. Sample, who was born and reared in Hancock county, Indiana, the daughter of Ge*rge and Susan (Williams) Sample, and to this union was born a daughter, Vessie P. The latter became the wife of Ernest Cook, of Columbus, Indiana and they have two children living, Garnet and Naomi. Mrs. Mary E. Todd died on January 29, 1891, and on April 19, 1893, Mr. Todd was married to Mrs. Eliza J. (Reeves) Jones, who was born and reared in Center township, Rush county, the daughter of Jesse and Sallie (Johnson) Reeves, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Thev had four children.

of whom two are living, Mrs. Todd and her brother Clinton. By a; former marriage Mrs. Todd is the mother of a daughter, Addie M3.j who is the wife of Richard E. Sample, who is engaged in the furniture business at Knightstown, Indiana. Politically, Mr. Todd is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party and has served for six years as a member of the advisory board of Center township. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Knightstown. He has ever taken a deep interest in the welfare of the community and is held in high regard.

AL A. REEVES, who has long been regarded as one of the most progressive agriculturists and public spirited citizens of Center township, in which he has spent practically his entire life, was born in that township, on May 2, 1872, and is the son of 0. M. and Lucinda ( Talbert ) Reeves, both of whom were also natives of Center township. Mr. Reeves followed farming throughout his active life and was the owner of sixty acres of land in Center township. To him and his wife were born three children, all of whom are living, namely : Arthur, Munson and Al A. The subject of this review is indebted to the public schools of Center township for his educational training, he having attended the Demick school. From the time he was old enough he devoted himself to the work of the home farm, where he remained until his marriage, in 1894, when he began farming on his own account, renting land for that purpose for about twelve years. Mrs. Reeves then inherited the farm where they now live and they at bnce moved onto it. The farm consists of eighty-three acres of fine tillable soil and here Mr. Reeves carries on a general line of farming. He also gives some attention to the raising of live stock, feeding about 125 hogs each year. He has made many improvements on )the place, the general appearance of which indicates him to be a man of taste and good judgment. On October 17, 1894, Mr. Reeves was married to Nora Gilson, a native of Center township and the daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Wells) Gilson, both of whom were born and reared in Rush county. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves have a son, Lowell M., born on April 21. 1908. Politically, Mr. Reeves gives his support to the Democratic party. He is deeply interested in public events and supports every movement for the advancement of the general welfare.

FLOYD M. WILLIAMS, who by a life of persistent and well applied energy and commendable industry along honorable lines has earned the right to specific mention in the history of his county, was born in Henry county, Indiana, on September 5, 1884, and is the son of Charles E. and Charlotte (Watts) Williams. The mother was born in England, but at the age of two and a half years she was brought to the United States by her parents, and she received her education at Oberlin, Ohio. Charles E. Williams was born in Rush county and was reared and educated in Knightstown. He has followed farming here during the major portion of his life, mostly in Center township, where he owns 150 acres of land, and he also owns 153 acres of land in Henry county. Of the three children born to him and his wife two are now living, Carroll and Floyd. Floyd

M. Williams received his educational training in the public schools of Knightstown and after completing his studies he engaged in the business of a florist at the latter city for about one and a 'half years. He was also employed at several other occupations prior to his marriage, but after that event he engaged in farming in Ripley township, Rush county, where he rented eighty-three acres of land. After operating that land for five years, Mr. "Williams moved to the place where he now lives, comprising 150 acres, which he rents from his father. He carries on general farming operations, in which he has met with pronounced success, and he also has gained a wide reputation as a successful breeder of thoroughbred big-type Poland China hogs, raising and selling them for breeding purposes. He raises about 150 hogs a year and usually conducts semi-annual sales of his animals. He keeps his place in good shape and is considered a good farmer. On December 6, 1906, Mr. Williams was married to Pearl Hotchkiss, who was born in Switzerland county, Indiana, the daughter of George K. and Belle (Jolly) Hotchkiss, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New Marion, Ind. Mr. Hotchkiss, who was a stonemason by trade, enjoyed the respect and esteem of the entire community in which he lived. He was the father of seven children, of whom six are living, namely: Gay, Julia, Audrey, Leona, Thomas, Harvey (who died at the age of twenty-five years) and Pearl. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of two children, Hollis and Margaret, both of whom are attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Knightstown. Politically, Mr. Williams is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, while he also belongs to Lodge No. 99, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Lodge No. 236, Knights of Pythias, both at Knightstown.

W. H. FRY, one of the well known and substantial farmers and landowners of Union township, was born on the place on which he is now living, on rural mail route No. 1 out of Falmouth, and has lived there all his life, a period of more than three score years. He was born on October 9, 1857, son of Henry and Eliza Jane (Bishop) Fry, who were for years influential residents of Union township. Henry Fry was a Pennsylvanian by birth, born in Washington county in the old Keystone state, and was but eight years of age when he came to Indiana with his parents. Elijah and Sarah Fry, the family locating in Union township, this county. There Henry Fry grew to manhood and after his marriage to Eliza Jane Bishop, who was born in Preble county, Ohio, and whose parents had located in this county during the days of her girlhood, established his home in that township, becoming the owner of a farm of ninety acres on which he spent the remainder of his life. He and his wife were the parents of five children, of whom but two are now living, W. II. Fry and his brother Elijah. Reared on the home farm in Union township, W. H. Fry completed his schooling in the Fairview Academy and from the days of his boyhood was a valued assistant to his father in the labors of the home farm. After his marriage he continued on the home place, giving his earnest endeavor to the development of the farm and after his father's death took over the place and has continued to reside there, he and his family being very comfortably situated. In 1884 W. H. Fry was united in marriage to Jennie Bilby, who was reared in Fayette county, and to this union four children have been born, namely: Amy, who married Carl Ging and has two children, Norman C. and Marjorie Ellouise; Minnie, wife of A. W. Werking; Dottie, who married Ray White and has two children, Ella Jane and Wilma May, and Ozetta, wife of Irving "Walker. The Frys are members of the Plum Creek Christian church and Mr. Fry is a clerk of the official board of the same. In their political affiliations they are Democrats. Mrs. Fry was born in Polk county, Iowa, daughter of Jasper and Margaret (Hazzard) Bilby, the latter of whom was born in Auglaize county, Ohio. Jasper Bilby was born in Pennsylvania and was but a boy when he came to Indiana with his parents, the family locating in Fayette county, where he grew to manhood and was married. Some time after his marriage he moved to Iowa and for a time resided in Polk county, that state, but later returned to Indiana and resumed his vocation of farming in Fayette county and was thus engaged there the rest of his life. He and his wife were the parents of fourteen children, of whom six are still living, Mrs. Fry having three brothers, Jasper, Allen and Dr. F. N. Bilby, and two sisters, Ola and Stella.

GEORGE T. KEISLING, a well-known farmer of Richland township and one of Rush county's representative citizens, was born on his father's farm in Richland township, on February 15, 1883, the son of L. W. and Lillie (Gordon) Keisling, the former a native of Rush county and the latter born in Franklin county, Indiana. L. W. Keisling spent practically his entire life in Rush county, having been reared here. He secured his elementary education in the local schools, and then attended Moores Hill College, where he completed his studies. He then returned home and engaged in farming, which vocation he followed continuously here up to the time of his retirement. In 1879 he moved to Richland township and bought 240 acres of land, to which he added until his holdings amounted to 400 acres, all in Richland township. To him and his wife were born three children, George T., the immediate subject of this review, Jennie Katherine and Leo W. George T. Keisling attended the public schools of Richland township, and after completing his schooling he turned his attention to the home farm, assisting his father in its operation until his marriage, in 1904. He then engaged in farming on his own account in Anderson township, renting land there for two years. At the end of that time he returned to Richland township and for a year cultivated some of his father's land. He then rented the Jake Fisher farm, to the cultivation of which he devoted himself for ten years. At the end of that time he bought sixty-six acres of land south of the Fisher farm on which he resided until he moved to the place he now owns, now having total holdings of 161 acres, and here he has met with a very satisfactory measure of success. He carries on a general line of farming and also gives some attention to live stock, feeding about a carload of hogs annually. On November 9, 1904, Mr. Keisling was married to Maude E. Fisher, the daughter of James and Elizabeth Fisher, and to them have been born two children, Lillian, deceased, and Howard. Mr. and Mrs. Keisling are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he has been a member of the board of trustees of the local society for more than ten years. In matters political, he gives his support to the Republican party.

CLAUDE B. HUNT, one of Union township's well known farmers and landowners, proprietor of an excellent farm of 100 acres on rural mail route No. 7 out of Rushville, was born in Rush county and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm in Rushville township on May 15, 1875, son of George W. and Sarah F. (Holmes) Hunt, both of whom also were born in Rush county, members of old families here. George W. Hunt was born in Noble township, a son of Harrison and Diana Hunt, the latter of whom was born in Mason county, Kentucky. Harrison Hunt was born in Harrison, Ohio, son of Samuel Hunt, who was a son of Jonathan Hunt, of New Jersey. Harrison Hunt was but a boy when he came to Indiana with his parents from Ohio, the family settling on a farm in Noble township, this county, among the pioneers of that section. In his turn Harrison Hunt became a farmer in that same township and there reared his family, his son, George W. Hunt, in his turn also becoming a farmer, a vocation he followed all his life, in addition to which he also became widely known hereabout as a horseman. George W. Hunt and wife were the parents of nine children, of whom seven are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being Sallie, Sidney L., Inez, Ray, Blaine and Blanche. Reared on the farm in Rushville township, Claude B. Hunt received his schooling in the local schools and continued farming with his father until his marriage, when he rented a farm and started out on his own account, continuing as a renter in Rushville and Noble townships for ten years, at the end of which time he bought a "forty" in the latter township. Three years later he sold that place to advantage and bought an "eighty" on which he made his home for six years. He then bought the farm of 100 acres in Union township on which he is now living and has since made his home there, he and his family being quite pleasantly situated. Mr. Hunt has his farm improved in admirable shape and in addition to his general farming feeds out around 100 head of hogs annually and is doing well. It was in 1898 that Claude B. Hunt was united in marriage to Theodosia Guffin, who also was born in this county, daughter of Andrew and Clarinda (Brooks') Guffin, and to this union three children have been born, Marjorie, Georgie and Wilna. The Hunts are members of the Ben Davis Christian church, and Mr.

WILLIAM T. HUFFERD, a representative agriculturist and stock man of Posey township, with which locality his life has been closely interwoven, is a native son of Rush county, having been born in Rushville township on December 5, 1865. His parents, John H. and Rhoda (Adams) Hufferd, also were natives of this county, the father having been born in Rushville and the mother in Posey township. John H. Hufferd was a carpenter by trade and followed that vocation during practically his entire active life. To himself and wife seven children were born, and all are living, namely: John, Lot, BenjamiD, William T., Edward, Laura and Amanda. William T. Hufferd was educated in the schools of Rushville township and after completing his studies he continued to live at home, being engaged in the cultivation of the home farm up to the time of his father's death. He then went to Hancock county, Indiana, and engaged in farming on rented land, cultivating 100 acres and remaining there about Jive years. He then moved to Washington township and rented land for nine years, after which he moved to Posey township, Rush county, and bought fifty-eight acres, which he operated during the ensuing five years. He then sold that tract and bought the splendid farm where he now lives in Posey township, comprising 134 acres. Here he carries on general farming and also feeds about two carloads of hogs a year. The place is well improved and its general appearance indicates the owner to be a man of good taste and up-to-date ideas. On March 13, 1888, William T. Hufferd was united in marriage to Martha Eaton, a native of Posey township and the daughter of John A. and Millie Ann (Miller) Eaton. Mr. Eaton was a farmer in Posey township during all his active life and was numbered among the substantial and influential citizens of his community. He and his wife were the parents of five children, John, William, Elizabeth (deceased), Martha and Susan. Mr. and Mrs. Hufferd are the parents of five children, John, Ralph, Millie, Delia and Thomas, all of whom are graduates of the Arlington high school. John Hufferd, who is farming in Posey township, married Ethel Northen and they have two children, Fred and Evelyn. Ralph Hufferd, who is a rural mail carrier, living in Posey township, married Elma Coffin and they have one child, William. Millie Hufferd became the wife of Albert Reddick, a farmer in Posey township, and they have one child, Deward. Delia Hufferd is the wife of Russell Orme, a farmer in Walker township, this county. Mr. Hufferd gives his support to the Democratic party and, fraternally, he is a member of Beech Grove Lodge, No. 399, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Arlington. He and his wife are earnest members of the Christian Union church at Homer. In all the relations of life he has been true to the dictates of his conscience and his judgment and has won and retains a host of warm and loyal friends.

THOMAS R. LEE, trustee of Posey township, a worthy representative of that type of American business man who may properly be termed "progressive" and a well-known farmer of Posey township, this county, was born in that same township on May 6, 1878, and is the son of Harlan and Catherine (Nelson) Lee, both of whom also were born and reared in Rush county. Harlan Lee followed the vocation of carpentering in his earlier years, but later he turned his attention to farming, confining his operations to Posey township, where he acquired 236 acres of land. He also owned property in Arlington. He was a man of fine qualities of head and heart and enjoyed universal confidence in his community. Of the seven children who were born to him and his wife, four are now living, namely: Adenia, Arthur, Florence and Thomas. Thomas R. Lee attended the schools of Arlington, and after completing his studies he continued on the home farm, working for his father until his marriage. He then rented 120 acres of land, which he cultivated for about four years, at the end of which time he moved onto the place where he now lives, a part of which he bought, the remainder being inherited by his wife and himself. Mr. Lee has made many splendid improvements on this farm, including a new residence, and it is now one of the attractive and profitable farms of that locality. He carries on general farming and stock raising, feeding a large number of hogs annually for market. On October 2, 1901, Mr. Lee was married to Ruth A. Addison, a native of Rush county and the daughter of Jefferson and Elizabeth M. (Cathon) Addison, both of whom were also natives of Rush county. Mr. and Mrs. Addison were the parents of five children, all of whom are living, namely : William A, Delia, Orlando, Charles and Ruth A. To Mr. and Mrs. Lee have been born two children, Mabel, born on January 6, 1904, and Harlan, born on June 26, 1906, both of whom are students in the Arlington high school. Mr. and Mrs. Lee are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Arlington. Mr. Lee gives his active support to the Republican party and is the present trustee of Posey township. Fraternally, he is a member of Beech Grove Lodge, No. 399, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Arlington. Mr. Lee's life has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance and he has so ordered his actions as to win the esteem and good will of all who know him.

WILLIAM P. SMITH, former assessor of Jackson township and an honored veteran of the Civil war, who died at his home in Jackson township in the spring of 1915, was born in that township' on March 1, 1842, but at the age of four years was taken by his parents to Iowa, the family locating in the vicinity of Keokuk, where he grew to manhood. When the Civil war broke out Mr. Smith enlisted his services in behalf of the Union and went to the front as a member of E Company, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Upon the expiration of this term of enlistment he re-enlisted and returned to service as a member of H Company, One Hundred and Sixteenth Iowa Volunteer

Thomas R. Lee And Family

Infantry, with which command he remained until mustered out at the close of the war, his total service covering a period of more than four years. Among the notable engagements of the war in which Mr. Smith participated were the battles of Lookout Mountain and Shiloh. In the latter engagement he was severely wounded by being shot in the left leg. The ball was not extracted and he carried it with him to his grave. Upon the completion of his military service Mr. Smith returned to the place of his birth and became1 permanently located in Rush county, becoming engaged in the sawmill business in Jackson township, a vocation which he continued during the remainder of his active life. Mr. Smith was a Republican and served two terms as assessor of Jackson township. He was an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Though not a member of any church he was reared a Baptist and his support was given to the local church of that faith. He died on March 20, 1915. On February 20, 1870, not long after his return to Rush county, William P. Smith married Frances Elizabeth Porter, who was born in this county on January 2, 1848, daughter of John and Sarah (Hilkert) Porter, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Pennsylvania, who had been residents of this county since the days of their youth, their respective parents having been pioneers of the county. John Porter was but six years of age when he came to Rush county with his parents from Virginia and he spent the rest of his life here, a substantial member of the community in which he lived. To William P. and! Frances Elizabeth (Porter) Smith were born seven children, Lulu P., Laura E., Mila A., Charles L., Anna (deceased), Hazel M. and Cassius Smith, the latter of whom served as a soldier during the period of America's participation in the World war, going overseas on June 10, 1918, as a member of A Company, Sixty-first Engineers, and returning on September 20, 1919.

C. M. GEORGE, superintendent of schools of Rush county and for years an earnest factor in the cause of the advancement of education hereabout, was born in the neighboring county of Franklin, but has been a resident of this county for the past twenty years or more. He was born on October 10, 1873, son of William H. and Lavina (George) George, both of whom also were born in Franklin county,' members of pioneer families in that part of the state. William H. George grew up in Franklin county and for some years followed farming there, but later moved over into Rush county, and located in Richland township. Not long afterward he bought a quarter of a section in Noble township on which he established his home and there spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1917. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom seven are still living, those besides Superintendent George being Edwin O., Arthur II., Earl W., Mrs. Anna C. Heaton, Frank C. and Riley E. Superintendent George was reared in Franklin county and upon completing the course in the common schools there secured a license to teach and in 1894 was given his first school in his home county. His experience during this first term of teaching convinced him that he had found his life's vocation and he entered upon the work with an earnestness that soon brought him recognition among local educators. While teaching he was not neglecting the extension of his qualifications for the profession to which he had devoted himself and in pursuit of !his plans for the better preparation for his life task he entered the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute and was graduated from that institution in 1898, and in 1901 took a supplemental course at Indiana State University. Following the receipt of his diploma from the State Normal Mr. George was selected from a number of applicants for the position of principal of the high school at Wheatland in Knox county. For two years he occupied that position and then in 1900 he was called to accept the principalship of the high school at New Salem in this county. This latter position he filled so acceptably that he was retained from year to year for ten years or until in 1910 when he was elected by the county board of education to fill the unexpired term of Orlando Randall as superintendent of the schools of Rush county. In accepting this position Mr. George devoted so much earnestness to the task before him and the results he soon was seen to be obtaining in the way of improved conditions in the schools of the county were so satisfactory that he has been retained in this important position and is now (1921) serving his third term in this office, the longest period of service ever rendered by any superintendent of schools in Rush county, a record which his friends declare speaks for itself, and upon which it would therefore be merely fulsome here to comment. In September, 1900, C. M. George was united in marriage to Ivah E. Ewbank, daughter of Martin V. and Rachel Ewnank. and to this union have been born two children, daughters both, Elsie F. and E. Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. George are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. George is a York Rite Mason, a member of the Rushville commandery. Knights Templar, and has for years taken a warm interest in Masonic affairs. Politically, he is a Republican and has ever given a good citizen's attention to civic affairs.

EDWARD MATNEY, who died at his farm home in Noble township in December, 1899, and whose widow is still living, was a native son of Rush county and all his life had been spent here. He had rendered well and faithfully his account to the community in all the relations of life and it is but fitting that there should here be carried in the history of his native county some slight tribute to the good memory he left. Edward Matney was the son of Elijah and Ada (Roberts) Matney, who were married in the neighboring county of Fayette and had come over into Rush county shortly after their marriage, locating on a farm in the Bethany neighborhood, where Elijah Matney spent the remainder of his life, an earnest and useful pioneer of that section. After his death his widow made her home at New Salem, where her last days were spent. Of the eight children born to this pioneer pair six are still living, Ocea, Elijah, William F., John. Dora and Mary. Edward Matney was reared on the home farm in Noble: township and in the excellent schools of that neighborhood received his schooling. As a young man he took up farming and after his marriage to Elizabeth J. Williams, established his home on a farm in that township and continued engaged in farming the rest of his life, at the time of his death being the owner of a well improved farm of ninety-seven acres. In addition to his farming Mr. Matney had for years given considerable attention to the breeding of fine horses and was recognized as one of the leading horsemen of his neighborhood in the day when fine horses did so much to add to the fame and name of Rush county. He was a deacon in the Bethany Christian church and did well his part in maintaining community good works. Edward Matney died on December 10, 1899, and his widow, as noted above, is still living. She was born in Noble township, daughter of William and Mary Elizabeth (Reeve) Williams, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Kentucky, both of whom had come to this county in pioneer days with their respective parents, who were among the early settlers of the county. William Williams grew to manhood in Noble township and after his marriage to Mary Elizabeth Reeve established his home on a farm there, where he and his wife spent their last days, influential residents of that community. They were the parents of eight children, three of whom are still living, those besides Mrs. Elizabeth J. Matney being Irma and Nannie. To Edward and Elizabeth J. (Williams) Matney were born two sons, C. Burl and Harold, botfh of whom are living. C. Burl Matney was born on March 3, 1887, and was reared in Noble township. Upon completing his schooling he continued his labors on the home farm until his marriage in 1913, after which he bought the homestead place of his grandfather, an excellent farm of 100 acres, and was for some time engaged in farming there. He presently left the farm for awhile and became engaged in the hardware business at New Salem, but after a year of commercial experience he returned to the farm and has since made his home there, engaged in general farming and stock raising, and has done well. On May 22, 1913, C. Burl Matney was united in marriage to Bessie Downey, who was born and reared in the vicinity of Rushville, daughter of J. Ed and Hattie (Sparks) Downey, the former also a native of Rush county and the latter of the neighboring county of Franklin. In 1918 J. Ed Downey moved from this county to Jennings county, where he and his wife are now living. They have three children, Mrs. Matney having a brother, Perry, and a sister, Bessie., Mr. and Mrs. Matney are members of the Little Flat Rock Christian Church and are Republicans. Mr. Matney is a Freemason.

JOHN T. BOWLES, a well-known member of the board of county commissioners and a man who by his own unaidedl efforts worked his way from a modest beginning to a position of affluence and influence in his community, now living retired at Mays, was born in Center township, this county, on September 19, 1854, and is the son of Joseph and Margaret J. (Clark) Bowles. These parents had five children, namely: William W., Albert W., Milton, John T. and Mrs. Viola Cothern, all living in Rush county, excepting the daughter. who lives at Pana, 111. John T. Bowles attended the common schools in Center township and in Howard county, Indiana, to which latter locality the family had moved in 1867. In 1869 the subject returned to Rush county and has lived in Center township continuously since excepting two years spent in Illinois. He has followed farming pursuits during all his active years. In 1882 he moved to Christian county, Illinois, and for two years operated a farm there. Returning to Center township, he rented a farm and operated on that basis until 1894, when he bought sixty acres of land, to the cultivation of which he devoted himself with such success that in 1906 he bought a lot in Mays, built a splendid home and has since lived there, having laid aside the labors of the farm, which he now has put into other hands. Mr. Bowles followed a general line of farming, in connection with which he also gave some attention to the raising of live stock, principally hogs. His farm is well improved and compares favorably with the best farms in this locality. In 1879 Mr. Bowles was married to Susan Johnson, the daughter of Evan and Elizabeth (Couch) Johnson, natives of North Carolina, and to this union three children were born, namely: Bertha, who was born in Center township on February 25, 1880, who in 1902 married Richard Miles, of Washington township, and who died on August 15, 1903; Earl, born on May 22, 1882, who died on October 21, 1883, and Raymond, also born in Center township, in 1884, who married Emma Brown and has two children, Vera E. and Mary Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Bowles are earnest members of the Center Christian Church. Fraternally, Mr. Bowles is a member of the lodge of Free and Accepted Masons at Raleigh. Politically he has been a lifelong supporter of the Republican party and has always taken a deep interest in public affairs. In 1914 he was elected a member of the board of commissioners and so satisfactory was his discharge of his official duties that in 1918 he was re-elected to that office. A residence in this county of many years has but strengthened his hold on the hearts of the people with whom he has been associated and today no one here enjoys a larger circle of warm friends and acquaintances, who esteem him because of his sterling qualities of character and his business ability.

WILLIAM H. WILSON, who died at his farm home in Noble township in the fall of 1912, left a good memory in that community and throughout the county and it is but fitting that there should be carried in this definite history of the county some modest tribute to that memory. Mr. Wilson was a native son of the old Bluegrass state, born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, and was but eight years of age when he came to Indiana with his parents, Conrad and Margaret E. (Ewalt) Wilson, who established their home in Noble township, this county, and there spent the remainder of their lives, influential pioneers of that section. William H. Wilson grew to manhood on the home farm in Noble township, receiving his schooling in the local schools and in time became a farmer on his own account. He married Alice E. Logan, a member of one of the pioneer families of Rush county, and after his marriage established his home on a farm in Noble township, where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occuring there on October 12, 1912. Mr. "Wilson had an excellent farm of 160 acres and in addition to his general farming had long given much attention to the raising of live stock, with special reference to pure bred Berkshire hogs and the old "Blue Bull" strain of horses, and was recognized as one of the leading stockmen of the county. To William H. and Alice E. (Logan) Wilson were born seven children, of whom six grew to maturity, Henrietta, Margaret E., J. Frank, Charles B., William II. (deceased) and Donald C. The mother of these children died on May 2, 1899. J. Frank Wilson, who continues to occupy the old home place in Noble township, was born on that place on July 29, 1873, and has lived there all his life. He received his schooling in the New Salem schools and from the days of his young manhood was a valued assistant to his father in the operations of the home farm. After his father's death in 1912 Mr. Wilson bought the interests of the other heirs in the homestead acres and has continued to reside there. He has eighty acres in the home place and in addition is farming an adjacent tract of 180 acres, thus controlling 260 acres. Mr. Wilson has long given special attention to the raising of pure bred Hampshire hogs and has been quite successful. He raises from 300 to 500 hogs annually, fattening about 200 for market, and has received in the East Buffalo market as much as 80 per cent, above the top market price for his stock. His pure bred stock for breeding purposes has wide recognition and he has won numerous prizes on his Hampshires in the big stock shows of the country. He had a car load of them at the East Buffalo show in 1920 and won third prize in the December show. Mr. Wilson is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Little Flat Rock Christian Church and he is a member of the Masonic order and of the Improved Order of Red Men. J. Frank Wilson married Sadie Brooks, daughter of Melvin and Alice Brooks, and has two children, Helen F. and Kenneth W. The Wilsons have a pleasant home and take a proper part in the community's general social activities. Charles B. Wilson was born on the farm in Noble township here referred to on May 28, 1877, second son of William H. and Alice E. (Logan) Wilson, and has always been a resident of Noble township. Upon completing his schooling he continued on the farm, helpful in the operations of the same, until his marriage in 1903 when, in partnership with his father and his brother, J. Frank Wilson, he bought the tract on which he is now living and there established his home. He presently bought the interests of his father and brother in that place, a tract of ninety-five acres, and later bought an adjoining tract of twenty acres, having now an excellent farm of 115 acres, which he devotes to general farming and live stock, feeding annually from 130 to 140 head of hogs. Since he has come into possession of this place Mr. Wilson has made numerous improvements of a substantial character and has a well equipped farm plant. He is a Democrat and he and his wife are members of the Little Plat Rock Christian Church. In 1903 Charles B. Wilson was united in marriage to Blanche E. McKee, daughter of Robert and Lucy A. (McFall) McKee, and to this union have been born four children, Virgil F., Mildred Bernice, Charles McKee and Lois Jean. Of the seven children born to Mrs. Wilson's parents six are still living, those besides Mrs. Wilson being Delia, Jane C, Eva, Donald C, and Kate. Mrs. Wilsou was born in this county, as was her father, the McKees having beeu among the pioneers of Noble township. Her mother was but six years of age when she came with her parents to Rush county, the McFalls thus having long been represented in the county. Robert McKee grew up in this county and became a substantial farmer, both he and his wife spending their last days here.

AMOS H. BLACKLIDGE, who died in the summer of 1913, was one of the most popular men of Rush county in his day and for many years was a successful farmer of Rushville township. He was born in Union township, this county, March 9, 1865, son of Stephen Clinton and America (Amos) Blacklidge. He attended the Blacklidge school in Union township and the Graham select school at Rushville, and then took the two-year agricultural course at Purdue University. He was president of the literary society of the university and his class. While at Purdue he also was an active worker in the Young Men's Christian Association. His father had a large family and could not afford to send his children to college so Amos II. Biacklidge earned the money by clerking in a drygoods store at Rushville in the winter, and farmed in the summer until he had accumulated sufficient money to see him through. After he had completed his agricultural course he returned to the homestead and put his knowledge to practical use, farming with his father for a short time but that same summer bought sixteen acft-es located north of Rushville which was known as the Rush County Orphans' Home, and later bought the farm adjoining this property, known as the John F. Moses land. On October 23, 1901, Mr. Blacklidge married Leonora May Alexander and after his marriage moved to the sixteeu-acre tract he had bought. He began farming on it and also operated a modern dairy having thirty-five imported cows of registered Jersey stock. He was a man of very progressive ideas and believed that the farmer could, if he so desired, make his life as happy, dignified and up-to-date as that of the city man, and he tried to imbue others with his enthusiasm with reference to rural conditions. For years he was one of the active members of the old Rush County Farmers .Institute, and during all of that time served as one of the officials or a member of the program committee. To encourage and instruct others he wrote a number of articles on progressive farming which were published in agricultural journals of the period, and he received a number of prizes for these same articles, some of which were in money and others were equally valuable sets of books on agricultural subjects. On August lfi, 1913. Mr. Blacklidge died very suddenly, dropping dead in the evening after having passed the day in strenuous work. He was a lover of his home and very devoted to his family composed of his wife and two children, William Clinton and Lawrence Amos, who are now attending school at Rnshville, the elder being in high school. Mr. Blacklidge belonged to the Main Street Christian Church of Rushvide, and for a number of years was one of its deacons. He was also a very active worker for the anti-saloon league,, devoting much time and money to the cause, and would have rejoiced greatly had he been spared to see the ratification of the eighteenth amendment. Another public enterprise which received his support was the annual" Chautauqua at Rushville of which he was always a guarantor. As a charter member of the Social Club of Rushville he assisted in organizing that association of congenial friends, and always enjoyed the meetings. Prom the day he cast his first vote Mr. Blacklidge supported the candidates of the Republican party, and while not an officeseeker, always was active in local affairs. A man of high, Christian character he lived according to his beliefs, and dying left behind him an influence for good which is still potent, and his memory is kept green by those who knew and loved him. His life was indeed a happy, progressive and dignified one.

EDGAR E. LOGAN, the proprietor of a splendidly improved farm of 160 acres in Richland township and an extensive feeder of hogs, was born in Richland township, this county, February 5, 1S65, a son of James W. and Hester (Welman) Logan, also natives of Rush county. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Logan, James and Elizabeth Logan, were born in Scotland, but came to America and were married soon after their respective arrivals in Rush county, where they became early settlers of Noble township. Here they secured 160 acres of land, which Mr. Logan entered from the Government, and this locality was the scene of their subsequent careers. James W. Logan received a public school education and entered upon his active life as a farmer, a vocation to which he applied himself during the remainder of his life. He was successful because of his industry and good management and acquired 871 acres of land, although he disposed of a part of this prior to his death. He was a man of considerable influence in his community and was twice elected trustee of Richland township as recognization of his public spirit and personal integrity. He and his wife were the parents of three children, the subject of this sketch having two brothers, Thomas W., a well-known farmer and stock feeder of Richland township, and Jesse. To the old Clifton school in Richland township Edgar E. Logan is indebted for his educational advantages. After putting aside his studies the business of farming claimed his attention and for a time he was associated with his father in the cultivation of the home place, but when he was married he founded his home on a new property, the one on which he now lives. This 160-acre farm he secured from his father, at this time has 130 acres under cultivation. He feeds out from 100 to 200 hogs annually, and has made a definite success of all departments of his work. Mr. Logan has been responsible for all the improvements that now appear on his model country estate, where his buildings are modern, his equipment substantial and throughout of the most up-todate nature. In 1893 Mr. Logan was united in marriage with Amanda Ella Stark, daughter of Henry and Amanda Stark. Mr. and Mrs. Logan are members of the New Salem Methodist Protestant Church in which he has held all the lay offices. In politics he is a Democrat.

"WILLIAM W. BARTON, whose death occurred on December 12, 1919, had long contributed to the general welfare of the Milroy community, both through the nature of his business and by reason of his personal participation in movements generated for development and betterment. For thirty-seven years he was engaged in the drug business at Milroy, and during that time so established himself in the confidence of the people that his death was considered a community loss. Mr. Barton was born at Milroy on September 30, 1855, a son of John C. and Nancy J. (Tompkins) Barton, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Rush county. John C. Barton came to Rush county in pioneer days and first applied himself to farming, but later turned his attention to mercantile affairs, and for a number of years conducted a general mechandise store at Milroy. He was a man of high principles and was much esteemed in the community in which he reared his structure of business success. He and his wife were the parents of three children: Elizabeth, Thomas (who died in youth), and William W. William W. Barton, after securing his early schooling in the public schools of Milroy, pursued a course at Spiceland Academy, following this by attendance at a medical school at Louisville, Ky. His medical education was completed at the Indianapolis Medical College, following which he returned to Milroy, where he embarked in the drug business, choosing this line instead of following the medical profession. Mr. Barton devoted himself unswervingly to hie business throughout the rest of his career, and at the time of his death, in 1919, had been identified with the same line and the same enterprise for thirty-seven years. During this long period the people had come to depend upon him unquestioningly and to accept his judgment and advice as final. From 1904 until his death Mr. Barton also had served as a member of the board of directors of the Milroy Bank. He made numerous friends both in his business and out of it, and enjoyed the companionship of his fellow men, being a member of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias lodges at Milroy. He was a stanch Republican and took an active interest in movements which he believed woidd beneficially affect the community welfare. As a churchman he adhered to the Methodist faith. On April 6, 188-4, Mr. Barton was united in marriage to Viroqua Swain, who was born at Manilla, this county, and at the age of nine years was brought to Milroy by her parents. Her schooling was completed at Valparaiso University which she attended for two years. Mrs. Barton is a daughter of Franklin F. and Rebecca (Tackett) Swain, the former of Union county, Indiana, and the latter of Wayne county, this state. Mr. Swain, who was a merchant and miller by vocation, was the father of five children, of whom four are living: William E., W. Irving, Alfred A. and Viroqua. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barton, Catherine, who married Claude R. Crane, who is engaged in the real estate business at Milroy, and Lillian, who married Clyde H. Hunter, who is engaged in the building material business at Chicago. Mrs. Lillian Hunter is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Swains, who are of Quaker stock, are an old family in Rush county. Thomas Swain, grandfather of Mrs. Barton, built the old Swain mill in the southwest corner of Posey township which was for many years a landmark thereabout. His son, Franklin F. Swain, grew up to the milling business and was engaged in milling, his industries including plants at Milroy, Moscow and Manilla. "When the Civil war broke out he enlisted his services in behalf of the cause of the Union and went to the front as captain of E Company, One Hundred and Twenty-third regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was thus serving when during the siege of Atlanta, August 6, 1864, he received a mortal wound. He was removed to the hospital at Marietta, Ga., where he died on the following August 23.

J. A. SHELTON, farmer and stockman, who has substantial interests in both Rush and Shelby counties, was born in Posey township, this county, December 4, 1865, the only survivor of the family of two children born to his parents. They were Ralph and Lydia (Adams) Shelton, both natives also of Posey township, where the father owned 180 acres of land and spent the greater part of his life there as a farmer. J. A. Shelton remained on the home farm after his school days were over until his marriage, when he bought forty acres of land adjoining his father's property and afterward operated both farms. Ultimately he sold his forty acres and purchased 160 acres in Walker township, this county, and owns also a farm of 140 acres in Hendricks township, Shelby county. Mr. Shelton has always been a progressive farmer and stockraiser. In earlier years he gave careful attention to raising race horses, although he never trained them, and at one time or another, owned some notable animals, one of these being the famous "Baron Posey," a racehorse that made the record of 2 :21V4- He is now interested mainly, however, in general farming and hog raising, growing the big-type Poland China hogs and shipping about 300 head annually. Whenever he has exhibited he has carried off honors. In 1918 he had the grand champion sow at the Indiana state fair, and in the following year at the same exposition had the champion boar, this animal standing third in the national swine show held at Des Moines, la., in 1919. On September 7, 1887, Mr. Shelton married Jennie Powell, who was born in Shelby count}', Indiana, daughter of Lorenzo and Nancy (Holbrook) Powell, natives of Shelby county where Mr. Powell was a farmer. Of his seven children four are living, Carrie, Jennie, Joseph F. and Gertrude. Mr. and Mrs. Shelton have one son, Fred C, who was bom on August 2, 1893. After creditably completing the common school course and the high school course at Manilla, Fred C. Shelton attended the high school at Shelbyville for one year, following which he was graduated from the agricultural department of Purdue University. He served one year with the quartermaster's corps of the United States army during the time of America's participation in the World war and now, in partnership with his father, is operating the Shelby county farm and taking a great deal of interest in the same. Mr. Shelton has been quite active in Democratic politics and for six years served as trustee of Walker township, demonstrating in this office good judgment and public spirit at a time such important public improvements as the planning and erection of the fine sehoolhouses at Manilla and Homer were brought about. Mr. Shelton is a charter member of the Modern Woodmen lodge at Manilla.

MONROE GLOSHEN, a well-known and substantial retired farmer of Anderson township now living at Milroy, where he has made his home since retiring from the farm in the fall of 1912 and where he and his family are very pleasantly situated, is a native of the neighboring county of Franklin, but has been a resident of Rush county many years, having come over here almost immediately after his marriage in his home county. He was born on a farm in Franklin county on November 7, 18.">7, son of Nicholas and Jennie (Jones) Gloshen, the latter of whom also was born in Franklin county, a member of one of the pioneer families there, and both of whom spent their last days there. Nicholas Gloshen was born in the state of New Jersey and as a young man came West, seeking the fortune which every ambitious young man in the East then believed was obtainable out here almost for the picking up. His parents were poor and unable to give him much assistance and of schooling he had practically none, his days in school having been confined to a period of but one week - six days of organized schooling in his life; but he possessed native elements of strength and determination and thus rightly decided that the then comparatively new country offered him larger advantages than were apparent in the East. Nicholas Gloshen was working in Franklin county when the big gold strike in California was announced and in 1849 he joined the rush to the New Eldorado. He remained there several years and then returned to Franklin county, having acquired a sufficient sum of money to enable him to buy a small farm in the place he had decided upon as a home. Having bought the farm he married and established his home on the place, remaining there the rest of his life. He did well with his farming and as his affairs prospered added to his land holdings until he became the owner of an excellent farm of 600 acres. He also was heavily interested in the timber business and was accounted one of the substantial men of the community in which he lived. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, five of whom are still living, Monroe Gloshen having two sisters, Sarah and Catherine and two brothers, George and Nicholas. Monroe Gloshen was reared on the home farm in Franklin county, receiving his schooling in the local schools, and as a young man continued on the farm, helpful in the labors of developing the same, until after his marriage when he came over into Rush county and located in Anderson township, becoming engaged in farming on his own account. He presently added to his original land holdings in that township and now has an excellent farm of 198 acres, well improved, with two sets of buildings, all improvements on the place having been made by Mr. Gloshen, and the operations of which are being carried on in up-to-date fashion. In addition to his general farming Mr. Gloshen for years gave considerable attention to the raising of live stock and did well. In the fall of 1912 he retired from the active labors of the farm and moved to Milroy, where he and his family have a very pleasant home. It was in 1882 that Monroe Gloshen was united in marriage to Nancy Brook, who also was born in Franklin county, daughter of Nehemiali Brook, a member of one of the old families of that county, and to this union three daughters have been born, Elva, who died at the age of thirteen years ; Stella, wife of Virgil Henry, and Elizabeth, widow of the late Carl Ralston, who died on April 18, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Gloshen are members of the Methodist church and have ever taken an interested part in church work, as well as in all local movements having to do with the general good of the community. Mr. Gloshen is a Democrat and has taken a proper interest in local political affairs.

WILLIAM G. JONES, who is successfully engaged in farming in Noble township, is a worthy representative of the younger agricultural element of Rush county. Mr. Jones was born at Seven Mile, Ohio, November 15, 1874, a son of John C. and Susan H. (Gregg) Jones, and a grandson of Andrew and Harriette (Smith) Jones. Andrew Jones was a son of William Jones, the first of the family to settle in Wayne township, Butler county, at the same time his father, Henry Jones, became a settler in Custis township. Preble county, Ohio. William Jones, who was born in 1774, died in 1851. He became one of the leading men of Butler county and was at one time the owner of 2,300 acres of land. He was a native of North Carolina, as was his wife, Elizabeth Culbertson, and they were the parents of ten children, Andrew, Susan, Keziah, Amy, Jemima, John, Elizabeth, Sarah and Rebecca. John C. Jones was born at Hamilton, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He later moved to Seven Mile and was there engaged in the stock business and for a number of years also was engaged in the coal and feed trade at Hamilton, Ohio, and was thus engaged during the remainder of his life. He died at Seven Mile when he was sixty-seven years of age. He and his wife, who was born in Butler comity, Ohio, were the parents of four children : James A., Anna Maude, Charles and William G. William G. Jones received his education in the public schools of Seven Mile and a business college at Hamilton, after leaving which he engaged in the coal and feed business with his father. He remained in that line of enterprise at Hamilton, Ohio, until 1917, when he came to Rush county and located on a farm of 215 acres in Noble township, which he owns. He does general farming and stock raising, feeds out about 125 hogs per year and represents the element which in any community, especially outside of the large cities, infuses spirit and zest into the activities of the place. Mr. Jones is a popular member of the Knights of Pythias and Fraternal Order of Eagles, at Hamilton, Ohio, and in politics is a Republican. He married, June 26, 1900, Nellie, daughter of Jacob H. and Elizabeth (Young) Shellenbarger, and to this union there has been born one child, John S., who is attending school. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Presbyterian church. She was born in Butler county, Ohio, where both of her parents were also born, and where her father was a general business man all his life and actively interested in banking. He died in Butler county in 1915, the father of six children, Harry, Albert Y., Jane E., Valora, Ruth and Nelle. Mr. Jones is an exceptionally enterprising young man and thoroughly competent in business and agricultural transactions. The honesty of his dealings is fully recognized by his fellow townsmen, and although his advent in Rush county is of recent date, he has already gained the confidence of those with whom he has been associated.

E. R. CASADY, of the E. R. Casady Company, one of the leading department stores of Rushville, is a native of Rush county, having been born in Posey township on July 9, 1879, the son of Weir and Sarah A. (Bebout) Casady, both of Rush county. "Weir Casady was a son of Sampson Casady, who emigrated to this county from Ohio, to which state he had come from Virginia. He entered land in Rushville township, and by his energy and ability along business lines, became the owner of over 600 acres of fine land. He had an enviable military record, having served in the War of 1812 as a drummer boy, and under General Harrison in the Indian wars. His father, Thomas Casady, had served in the Colonial army from Virginia during the Revolution. Weir Casady grew to manhood on his father's farm, receiving his education in the schools of the county, and became recognized as one of the best stock men of the district, specializing in thoroughbred Poland China hogs and racing horses on his farm of eighty acres, continuing his farming operations until the time of his death in 1908. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, six of whom are now living: Alma, Julia, Mary, Sampson, Knowles, and E. R. It is rather a coincidence that there were seven children in the family of Weir Casady, as there had been a like number in the family of his father : William, Weir, Robert, John, Simon, Elizabeth and Margaret. E. R. Casady received his preliminary education in the common schools of the county, and then attended the Rushville high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1S9S. Upon completing his schooling, he began his business career by clerking in the store of Winship & Payne, which was located in the same building that is now occupied by the E. R. Casady Company. After a short period of service with this firm, he clerked for Ralph Payne in the shoe business for about two years, when he and Ben Cox bought out the business. Later, Mr. Casady sold out his interests, and bought a partnership in the store of which he is now sole proprietor. This firm was known as Kennedy & Casady for four years, or until January 1, 1914, when it became the E. R. Casady Company, as it is today. The business grew, Mr. Casady enjoying the confidence of a large and profitable trade, and the quarters, were enlarged to include another floor of the building. Mr. Casady was married to Ethel Readle, a daughter of John A. and Lillie (Emons) Readle, and to their union have been born four children, Phyllis, Readle, Mildred, and Catherine. Mr. Casady is a Mason, a Knight of Pythias and a member of the Rotary Club. He adheres to the policies of the Democratic party, of which he has always been a supporter, and is a communicant of the Christian church.

HENRY F. ADDISON, than whom no citizen of Posey township is better known or more highly esteemed, was born in that township on January 22, 1869, and is the son of Levi and Elizabeth (Stinger) Addison. Levi Addison was a farmer during all his active years, owning a farm of fifty-three acres. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living, Samuel, Marshall, Thomas, Henry F., Savanna, Osa, Dora and Lillie. Henry F. Addison attended the Conaway school in Posey township and his youth was spent on the paternal farmstead. He remained with his parents until he had attained his majority, when he began working out by the month, continuing to be employed in this way for about eighteen months. After his marriage, in 1892, Mr. Addison began to farm on his own account, renting land for about twelve years, at the end of which period he bought eighty acres, comprising his present farm in Posey township. He conducts general farming operations and has met with splendid success, being numbered among the progressive and substantial agriculturists of his section of the county. Mr. Addison has been married twice, first in 1892 to Martha Hendricks. To this union were born two children, Sherman, a mechanic at Anderson, Ind., who married a Miss Tally, and Bessie, who became the wife of Gurney Earnest, a farmer in Ripley township, this county, and has one child, Kenneth. Mrs. Martha Addison died in 1900 and in 1904 Mr. Addison was married to Stella Wymond, a native of Fayette county, Indiana. To this union have been born two children, Grace and Bertha, both of whom are attending school. Mr. Addison is an ardent Democrat. Fraternally, he is a member of Beech Grove Lodge, No. 399, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Arlington. He is a member of the Christian church and gives his unreserved support to every worthy benevolent or charitable object or any movement calculated to advance the general welfare of the community in any way.

"WILLIAM R. GARTIN, a well-known farmer of Jackson township, is a native son of the township in which he now lives and where his entire life has been passed. He was bom on his father's farm in Jackson township on June 29, 1889, aud is the son of Omer G. and Clara (Newkirk) Gartin, both of whom also were natives of Jackson township. The father has been a lifelong fanner and is now the owner of 140 acres of laud in Jackson township ; however, he is now practically retired from active business affairs and is living in Rnshville. To him and his wife were born two children, the subject of this review having a brother, Lowell C. William R. Gartin received his education in the Osborn school in Jackson township, after which he turned his attention to farming, working for his father until 1911, when he began farming for himself on fifty acres of land which he had inherited from his mother. He also rents sixty acres of his father's land. He carries on general farming operations and also raises all the hogs the farm will support. Systematic and practical in everything he does, his success has been marked and he has gained a good reputation as an enterprising and progressive farmer. On September 6, 1910, Mr. Gartin was married to Hollie Mock, who was born in Rush county and is the daughter of William H. and Dora (Shires) Mock. To Mr. and Mrs. Gartin was born a son, Vernon L., born on January 11, 1917, who died on May 15, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Gartin are members of the Christian church at Rushville. Mr. Gartin is a Republican in his political views, while, fraternally, he is a member of Phoenix Lodge, No. 62, Free and Accepted Masons, and Franklin Lodge, No. 35, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Rushville. He has always taken a keen interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his community and served two years as assistant county road superintendent.

JESSE M. POE, member of the firm of William B. Poe & Son. whose jewelry store on Main street is one of the well-known landmarks of Rushville, was born in that city on April 9, 1876, and is the son of William B. and Ruth F. (Carr) Poe, the former a native of Mason county, Kentucky, and the latter born and reared in Rush county. The Poe family was an old established one in the Blue Grass state. William B. Poe first went from Kentucky to Ohio, where he learned the trade of watchmaking, though he had previously begun his apprenticeship at Maysville, Kentucky, in October, 1858, receiving the princely wage of $50 a year. He was a young man when he arrived in Rushville and immediately established himself in business. Good workmanship and fair dealing brought him business and through the subsequent years he has enjoyed an enviable standing throughout Rush county. His first location was in the Melodeon Hall block, but in 1910 he located where he now is. Jesse M. Poe received his educational training in the public schools of Rushville and on completing his studies he entered a watchmakers' school at Peoria, Illinois, where he received the best possible training in the very important and intricate art of watchmaking and repairing. He then returned home and worked for his father for a time, and then was admitted to ^partnership in the business, which has since been run under the firm style of Wm. B. Poe & Son. Mr. Poe is also a registered optometrist, optical work being a very important branch of their business. Courteous treatment, high-grade goods and right prices have been the elements which have contributed to the popularity of this firm, whose business covers a wide radius of surrounding country. Mr. Poe was married to Ina F. Pugh, the daughter of Joseph and Caroline Pugh, and they have a daughter. Mary Louise, wife of Dr. T. L. Jones. Politically, Mr. Poe is a stanch Republican, while, fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Improved Order of Red Men. He and his wife are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he gives his unreserved support to every movement or enterprise for the advancement of the general welfare.

WILLIAM S. McKEE, who is a prominent figure among the native sons of Noble township who have applied themselves to the pursuits of agriculture and have found therein success in the community in which they were born, has passed his entire life in Noble township, where he was born on his father's farm, July 14, 1879, a son of Charles H. and Catherine (Simonson) McKee, the former a native of Rush county and the latter of Franklin county, Indiana. Mr. McKee is indebted to the country schools of Noble township for his educational training. After completing his studies he joined his father and brother, John McKee, in the cultivation of the home place, and when the father died, in July, 1904, the two sons took charge of operations and continued to work in partnership for about eight years. The association was mutually dissolved at the end of that time, and William S. McKee has since carried on operations on his own account. At this time his activities cover 240 acres, of which he is the owner of eighty-five acres. He carries on general farming and stock raising, feeding out about 300 head of hogs annually. Mr. McKee has done much work in the way of development and improvement, and it was he who installed all the present modern conveniences and equipment on his property, which now bears the stamp of proper management and progressive ideas. He is thorough, practical and energetic in carrying through his plans, and in business matters is known to be absolutely reliable. Mr. McKee married Charity Hoy, daughter of Lafayette Hoy, and to this union there have been born four children : Donald, Lowell, Geraldine and Lawrence. Mrs. McKee is a member of the Christian church, at Orange. In political matters Mr. McKee gives his support to the Republican party and has always stood for worthy civic movements tending toward progress. He is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and the Red Men at Orange, in both of which orders he has numerous cordial friends.

FRANK McBRIDE, one of the leading business men of Mays, this county, who has by his enterprise and progressive methods contributed in a material way to the commercial advancement of his locality, is a native of Center township, where he was born on June 13, 1868, and he is the son of William J. and Nancy A. (Zion) McBride, both of whom also were born and reared in Rush county. The father followed farming throughout his active life, having been prospered in his efforts so that in 1858 he was able to purchase a farm of 192 acres. To him and wife were born nine children, of which number five are living, namely : Anna M., Luella, Selma, Charles and Frank. The subject of this review received his educational training in the schools of Center township and after leaving school he devoted his attention to work on the home farm, remaining with his parents until his marriage, in 1890, when he took up farming on his own account, renting sixty-five acres of land, which he subsequently increased to eighty acres. He devoted himself closely to the operation of his land for fifteen years, and at the end of that time he moved to Mays and engaged in the grocery business. He has been eminently successful in this enterprise and enjoys a large trade, not only locally, but throughout the surrounding country. In 1890 Mr. McBride was married to Eva E. Young, also a native of Rush county, and to them have been born three children, Guy, Zula and Fern, all of whom are at home. Mr. and Mrs. McBride are earnest members of the Presbyterian church at Mays, to which they give generous support. Politically, Mr. McBride has been a lifelong supporter of the Democratic party and for the past six years he has served as postmaster of Mays, giving efficient service and to the satisfaction of all concerned. Personally, Mr. McBride is a man of unassuming manners, but genial and obliging, and he enjoys an enviable standing in the community honored by his citizenship.

OLIVER J. COOK, one of Rush county's native sons, whose energetic nature and laudable ambition have enabled him to conquer adverse conditions and advance steadily, until today he is numbered among the representative farmers of Richland township, was born in Noble township, this county, on July 4, 1865, and is the son of William and Susanna (Johnston) Cook, both of whom also were born and reared in Rush county. William Cook attended the common schools and completed his studies in the Fairview Academy. He then devoted his attention to farming his father's land, remaining at home until his marriage. At that time he moved to near Glenwood, where he remained but a short time, moving then to Hamilton county, Indiana, where he was engaged in farming for about four years. Returning then to Rush county, Mr. Cook located on land which he owned near Glenwood, which he operated until about 1893, when he retired from active business and moved to Rushville, where he lived until October, 1919, when, following the death of his wife, he went to live with his son, the subject of this review* with whom he still lives. Of the seven children who blessed the union of himself and wife, but two are now living, Oliver J. and Robert B. Oliver J. Cook attended the public school at Glenwood and from the time of his leaving school until the present he has continuously devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. Until 1892 he cultivated rented land, but in that year he bought the farm which he now owns in Richland township, his first purchase being 115y2 acres, which he subsequently increased to 220 acres, all in Richland township. He actively pursued the cultivation of this land during the following years, but did not erect a house until 1910, since which time he has resided on the place. The improvements are all of an attractive style, the home being convenient and well arranged, the barns substantial and commodious, while the general appearance of the place indicates the owner to be a man of good taste and practical ideas. Pie carries on general farming operations and also gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock, specializing in the big type of pure bred Poland China hogs, of which he feeds from 400 to 500 annually. Mr. Cook was married to Orpha E. Beaver, daughter of John M. and Mary Beaver, and they are the parents of four children, Willard, Wallace, Emma and Mary Evelyn. Emma became the wife of Ray Compton and they had a child, Mary Estell. Mrs. Cook is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically, Mr. Cook gives his support to the Democratic ticket, while, fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order at Andersonville and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

ALVA E. NEWSOM, who is recognized as a progressive and energetic exponent of the most advanced methods of agriculture and who is carrying on extensive farming and stockraising operations in Ripley township, has passed his entire life in this county, having been born on his father's farm in that same township on July 12, 1866, a son of Jabez H. and Margaret (Cox) Newsom. Jabez H. Newsom was also born in Ripley township, where he passed his life in the successful cultivation of the soil. He was the owner of 160 acres of good land, and was likewise the possessor of a reputation for sound integrity and good citizenship. He and his worthy wife, who was a native of Washington county, Indiana, were the parents of eight children, of whom four are living: Oliver M., Anna J., Alva E. and Laura A. Alva E. Newsom was educated in Ripley township, where he attended what was known as the Stinger schoolhouse. He was but five years of age when his father died, and at the early age of thirteen years he began to assume a man's responsibility on the home farm, which he managed for his mother until the time of his marriage, after which, he rented the home place from his mother, this being a tract of eighty acres, in addition to which he rented 220 acres more land in the same community and devoted himself there to farming and stock raising for some ten years. After the death of his mother he bought the interest of the other heirs in the home place, and on this property has continued general farming and the raising of live stock. Industry and good management have combined to bring him success and he is justly accounted in his neighborhood as one of the most progressive of the agriculturists of Ripley township. At this time he is shipping on an average of between 100 and 125 hogs annually to the big markets. On December 10, 1890, Mr. Newsom was united in marriage to Virginia Alexander, who was born in Ripley township and was educated there, a daughter of Joseph W. and Sarah J. (Stinger) Alexander, natives of Ripley township, and the owners of 120 acres of land, on which they carried on operations all their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander were the parents of six children, of whom four are living: Frank M., Laura A., Ola V. and Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Newsom have two children : Grace M., who married Frederick Sohn, a traveling salesman living at Knightstown, Ind.. where they hold membership in Friends church and has one child, Alvan: and Mazie, who married George Apple, a farmer of Ripley township, with no children. Mr. Newsom has always been ready to play his full part in discharging the duties of citizenship. In his political allegiance, he gives his support to the Republican party. With his wife and children he attends the Methodist church at Carthage.

NORMAL Y. PATTERSON, a teacher in the New Salem high school, is a native son of the county in which he now lives, having been born in Richland township on June 13, 1872, and he is the son of Darius and Mary Irene Patterson. He received his elementary education in the common schools of Richland, completing his public school studies in the high school at Richland. lie then attended Indiana University, where he took a general course and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1895. He then engaged in teaching school in Franklin county, being employed one year in a countrv school, six years in the school at Laurel and three years in the high school at Brookville. Mr. Patterson then returned to Rush county and for four years he taught in the Richland school. He then quit teaching and for two years devoted his attention to the management and cultivation of his father's farm of 200 acres. He then located at Clarksburg and for two years taught in the school at Sandusky, following which he again retiirned to the home farm and remained there six years, operating 255 acres of land. He is still giving attention to the operation of this land, but in 1919 he accepted a position as teacher in the New Salem high school and is still filling that position. The farm is one of the best farms in this locality, being well improved in every respect and well adapted to general farming operations. Besides the raising of all the crops common to this locality, he gives some attention to live stock, feeding from one hundred and fifty to two hundred hogs a year. Mr. Patterson's work as an educator has gained for him much favorable comment. Of scholarly tastes and studious habits, he keeps abreast of the times in advanced educational methods and is ably filling the position he holds in the New SaJem school. In 189!) Mr. Patterson was married to Lillie M. Cloud, the daughter of A. W. and Deborah Cloud, and they are the parents of seven children, Howard, Mary, Ruth, Stanley, Willard, Whitmer and Maurice. Mr. Patterson is a member of the Christian church and Mrs. Patterson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Clarksburg. In his political view7s Mr. Patterson is an independent Democrat.

JOHN JACKMAN, a substantial farmer and dealer in live stock, now living at Milroy, was born in Rush county and has resided here all his life. He was born on a farm in Anderson township on July 10, 1873, son of Allen and Frances (Winship) Jackman, both of whom also were born in this county and further and fitting i-eference to whom is made elsewhere in this volume of biographies relating to the old families of Rush county. Reared on the home farm, John Jackman received his schooling at Milrov and from the davs of his youth was well trained in the ways of the farm. After his marriage he continued on the home farm for about five years, farming with his father, and then rented 170 acres of the home place, which he continues to operate besides operating an excellent farm of 135 acres of his own which he has acquired since his marriage, and is doing well in his operations, making his home at Milroy. In addition to his general farming Mr. Jackman has for years given considerable attention to the raising of live stock, feeding out about 200 head of hogs annually, and is also dealing quite extensively in mules, at present having about forty head, and is gradually extending his operations in that direction. On February 14, 1900, John Jackman was united in marriage to Mary Tompkins, who also was born in this count y, daughter of Nathan E. and Louisa (Crosby) Tompkins, and to this union two sons have been born, Frank and Ned, both of Avhom are at home, valued assistants to their father in the latter 's agricultural and live stock operations. The Jackmans have a pleasant home at Milroy and take a proper part in the community's general social activities. Mr. and Mrs. Jackman are members of the Christian church. In his political views Mr. Jackman is a Republican and fraternally he is affiliated with the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias and has been "through the chairs" in this lodge, in the affairs of which he has for years taken a warm and active interest.

FRANCIS H. McCOY, a well-known agriculturist of Jackson township, is one whose well-directed efforts have gained for him success and a position of desirable prominence in the locality honored by his residence, for he has so combined within him the elements of industry, perseverance and sound common sense that he has made a record of steady progression in his work. Mr. McCoy was bom in Rushville township, this county, on October 26, 1863, and is the son of Thomas and Mary (Moran) McCoy, to whom more extended reference is made in the sketch of Joseph McCoy, elsewhere in this work. The subject received his educational training in the local public schools, mostly in the Concord school in Rushville township. On leaving school he applied himself to the work of the home farm, remaining with his father there until his marriage. He then rented from his father eighty acres of land in Jackson township, where he now lives, and has continued to cultivate it to the present time, having inherited the land at his father's death. He has made a number of permanent and substantial improvements on the place, including a new home and garage, and keeps the place in the best of repair, the general appearance of the place indicating the owner to be a man of taste and good judgment. He carries on general farming and also raises about 120 hogs each year. On February 27, 1900, Mr. McCoy was united in marriage with Marie A. Schetgen, who was born in Jennings county, Indiana, but was reared and educated in Hamilton county, Ohio. She is the daughter of Peter and Mary (Kirchner) Schetgen. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy are the parents of nine children, all of whom are living, namely : Mary E., Francis L., Margaret E., Thomas W., Lena K., Harry A.', Walter J.. Charles and Hugh. All of these children are unmarried and at home. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy are members of the Catholic church at Rushville, and Mr. McCoy is a member of the Rushville Council of the Knights of Columbus. Politically, he gives his support to the Democratic party and takes an intelligent interest in the course of public events, ever giving his support to every movement for the general welfare. Genial and obliging, he enjoys the friendship and good wil If of all who know him.

EDWARD DOLAN, one of the substantial farmers and landowners of Union township, is not one of Rush county's native sons, but he has resided here since the days of his young manhood and has developed an excellent piece of property here, long having been regarded as one of the leading farmers and stockmen of his community. He was born in Dearborn county, this state, September 14, 1864, son of Patrick and Emma (Briggs) Dolan, the latter of whom was born in that same county, a member of one of the pioneer families there. The late Patrick Dolan, whose last days were spent in Rush county, where he had resided for many years, was born in Ireland and was but a lad when he came to this country with his parents, the family coming on out to Indiana and locating in Dearborn county. There he grew to manhood, married and became engaged in farming, remaining there until about 1875 when he came over into Payette county where he lived on a rented farm until 1880, in which year he moved over into Rush county and rented a farm here, on this latter place spending the rest of his life, a resident of this county for about thirty years. Patrick Dolan and wife were the parents of twelve children, all of whom save one, Cora, are living, those besides the subject of this sketch being Thomas, Elizabeth, Ellen, John, Charles, Anna, Roy, Kate, Glenn and William. Edward Dolan completed his schooling in Fayette county, having been but a lad when his parents moved to that county from Dearborn county, and after leaving school he went west and for three years worked as a farm hand in Nebraska. He then rejoined the family in Rush county and after coming here was engaged as a farm hand for about six years, at the end of which time he rented an eighty-acre farm, in the meantime having married, and on that place made his home for seven years. He then bought a tract of 120 acres in Union township and on that place resided until 1910, when he bought the farm of 114 acres on which he is now living in that same township. In addition to these tracts Mr. Dolan has other farms, being now the owner of 430 acres in Rush and Fayette counties besides a quarter of a section of land in Nebraska. In addition to his general farming Mr. Dolan has for years given considerable attention to the raising of live stock and feeds out from 300 to 400 head of hogs a year. He has four sets of buildings on his land and his operations are carried on on quite an extensive scale. In his political views Mr. Dolan is a Democrat. Mrs. Dolan is a member of the Fairview Christian church. The Dolans have a very pleasant home on rural mail route No. 1 out of Glenwood. On October 7, 1888, Edward Dolan was united in marriage to Alma Saxon, who was born in the neighboring county of Fayette, and to this union five children have been born, Verne. Gertrude, Clarence (deceased) and Nina (deceased), and one who died in infancy. Verne Dolan married Beatrice Dunham and has four children, Edna, Zelma, Xen and Marjorie. Gertrude Dolan married Albert Dickey and has two children, Thelma and Max. As noted above, Mrs. Dolan was born in Fayette county, which also was the birthplace of her parents, Robert and Mary Ann (Nichols) Saxon, the latter born in Fairview township. Robert Saxon, who is the owner of a 240-acre farm in Fayette county, has been a farmer there all his life. He has been married twice and by his first wife had three children, those besides Mrs. Dolan being Leroy and Mollie. By his marriage to Mary Lovejoy he has had six children, five of whom are living, Gillespie, Daisy, Phoebe, Alfred and Robert.

EARL M. TWEEDY, one of the strong, sturdy characters who has contributed largely to the welfare of the community where he lives and a well known farmer of Posey township, this county, was born in the neighboring county of Henry on the third day of July, 1870, and is the son of James and Elizabeth (Stinger) Tweedy, the former a native of Rush county and the latter of Hancock county, Indiana. James Tweedy was reared and educated in his native community and followed the trade of a carpenter throughout his active life. To him and his wife were born five children, four of whom are living, Jesse F., Otis A., Philip W. and Earl M., and one, Mrs. Effie McDougal, who died at the age of forty-seven years. The subject of this review attended school in his native county and on completing his studies he turned his attention to the carpenter trade, which he followed for about fifteen years. Mr. Tweedy then turned his attention to farming and for about three years he operated rented land. He then bought sixty acres of land in Posey township, Rush county, and lived there for eight years. He then sold that place and bought his present farm, comprising 100 acres of land in Posey township, and he devoted his energies indefatigably to the operation of this farm, in which he has been very successful. He has made many important improvements, remodeling and repairing the buildings, which are comfortably and conveniently arranged, the entire property presenting a very attractive appearance. Mr. Tweedy carries on general farming and stock raising, feeding and sending to market from 100 to 150 hogs annually. On June 29, 1899, Mr. Tweedy was married to Nellie C. Leisure, a native of Posey township, and the daughter of William and Caroline (Powell) Leisure, who were both natives of Rush county, where Mr. Leisure followed the vocation of farming. Of their four children, Mrs. Tweedy is the only one living. To Mr. and Mrs. Tweedv were born three children, Donald, deceased, Lowell B. and Alta C~ Mr. and Mrs. Tweedy are members of the Methodist Episcopal and Christian churches respectively. Fraternally, he is a member of Lodge No. 255, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at